Pembroke, Ontario has introduced a smart new safety initiative to protect residents buying and selling items online. Outside the Pembroke OPP station at 77 International Drive, specially marked parking spaces now display a handshake symbol, identifying them as “community safety zones.” These designated areas provide a secure, public place where people can meet to exchange goods purchased through online marketplaces. The zones are part of Project Safe Trade, launched by the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP to encourage residents to move transactions away from private homes and secluded locations into well-lit, monitored public spaces. Open 24 hours a day with no appointment needed, the zones make safe trading convenient and accessible for everyone.

The timing of the project is especially important as the holiday season approaches, when online buying and selling increases significantly. OPP Commander Steph Neufeld explained that the goal is to reduce fraud, theft, and personal risk linked to online transactions, ultimately lowering harm in the community. Constable Mike Mahon added that while police will not supervise or mediate exchanges, officers will respond immediately if criminal activity occurs. Residents are also encouraged to take personal precautions, such as meeting during daylight hours, bringing a friend, choosing busy public locations, and keeping records of all online communications. Together, these measures create a safer environment for digital marketplace transactions.